Testing and indicating apparatus



Nov. 10, 1942. SIGQ TESTING AND INDICATING APPARATUS Original Filed Dec. 30, 1938 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 any 122: 211

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Lg sssg i ATTORNEYS Nov. 10, 1942.

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TESTING AND INDICATlNG APPARATUS Original Filed Dec. 50, 1938 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 {R4701 I RA'|731 51229, 6679 F 9 7 H1700 LHTRZZO P7730 lam/2 TEF C6591 INVENTOR ARTHURTSIGO 'W ATTORN EYS corded results of the tests of the two line groups, provisions are made for causing the operation of all of the marking elements at the intermediate point in each cycle of operation of the test switch following the completed test of one group of test conductors and preceding the testing of the conductors of the second group. In performing tests of the character just described, the transfer switch and the register are not utilized.

The transfer switch and the register are operatively associated with the recorder and test switch when it is desired to record successively the results of successive tests of the different test conductor groups. More particularly, the transfer switch is operative under the control of the test switch to associate the register successively with different ones of the testing devices embodied in the test switch, and each of the testing devices, when operatively associated with the register, is operative to cause the operation of the register each time a test conductor having the indicated predetermined potential thereon is tested. Apparatus controlled by the register and operative in response to a predetermined operation of the register is provided for causing the operation of a predetermined one of the marking elements each time a predetermined number of the test conductors having the indicated predetermined potential thereon are tested. This apparatus also functions to initiate a new cycle of operation of the register. The transfer switch is cyclically operative in that it repeatedly associates the testing devices of the test switch with the register and, in order to adjust each complete test cycle to include any desired number of devices or conductors to be tested, means are also provided for changing the operating cycle of the transfer switch operatively to associate any desired number of the testing devices with the register during each complete test cycle.

Further features of the invention pertain to the particular arrangement of the elements whereby the above and additional operating features are attained.

The novel features believed to be characteristic of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention, both as to its orgnization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the specification taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 illustrates the wiring arrangement of the test switch and the test conductors extending thereto, together with certain of the control apparatus therefor, Fig. 2 illustrates the master switch through which current is supplied to certain of the relays embodied in the apparatus, Fig. 3 illustrates in schematic form one type of recorder which may be used in the apparatus, Figs. 4 and 5, taken together, illustrate the register, Figs. 6 and 7, considered together, illustrate the transfer switch, and Figs. 8, 9 and i0 illustrate segments of records produced during the different testing and recording operations of which the apparatus is capable.

Referring now more particularly to the drawings, the apparatus is illustrated as comprising a test switch In which is of the well-known ro-- tary type and comprises a plurality of unicontrolled component testing devices or panels I00 to I09, inclusive, having extending thereto corresponding groups of test conductors I20 to I29,

inclusive. Each of the testing devices comprises a set of contacts I III of twenty-eight points each, the first twenty-five contacts in each set being utilized to terminate the twenty-five test conductors of the corresponding test conductor group. Each testing device or panel further includes a continuous conducting segment HI disposed opposite the first twenty-five contacts of the associated contact set H0 and a doubleended wiper set H4 including wipers for con necting successively the first twenty-flve con tacts of the associated contact set III] to the associated conducting segment III. For control purposes to be described in detail hereinafter, there are also provided in each testing device a pair of additional contact segments H3 arranged to be bridged by wipers embodied in the associated Wiper set H4, a connecting segment H2 adapted to be connected to the associated segment III through wipers carried by the associated wiper set H t, and three contacts H5, HE and Ill arranged respectively to be connected to the twenty-sixth, twenty-seventh and twenty-eighth contacts of the associated contact set I Hi through the wipers of the associated wiper set H4. As indicated above, the wipers H4 are unicontrolled in that they are all mounted on the same drive shaft in the same radial positions. These wipers are arranged to be driven over their associated contacts through operation of a synchronous motor, not shown, which is arranged to drive the wiper shaft through a suitable speed reducing mechanism. The arrangement of the contacts in the contact set HI! of each testing device and of the associated conducting segments is such that, during operation of the test switch I0, the wipers of each wiper set H4 completely disengage the associated conducting segments H3 before being moved into engagement with the associated segment III and the contacts of the associated contact set Hi1. Further, during operation of each testing device, each contact of the contact set H0 included therein is completely disengaged by the wiper of the associated wiper set H4 before this wiper is moved into engagement with the next succeeding contact of the contact set H0.

The apparatus further comprises a recorder, diagrammatically illustrated at 20 in Fig. 3, which is of the multi-pen type and, preferably, is of the improved construction disclosed and claimed in Patent No. 2,132,808-Sigo, granted October 11, 1938. In brief, the recorder 20 comprises a plurality of marking elements, three of which are indicated at 3M, 382 and 3H), respectively, each including a stylographic pen normally engaging a paper record strip 393 which is adapted to be unwound from a winding spool and moved over a driving cylinder at either of two or more different and uniform rates. Each marking element further includes an operating magnet, those embodied in the elements 3UI, 302 and 3H) being indicated at 304, 305 and 3| I, respectively, which is adapted, when energized, to operate the associated pen to an off-normal position so that an off-trace line is inscribed on the record strip. In the arrangement illustrated, a recorder 20 comprising ten marking elements is required fully to utiilze the line testing capacity of the test switch It]. For the purpose of causin the operation of all of the marking elements embodied in the recorder 29 at a point intermediate in each cycle of operation of the test switch I0, there is provided in the control apparatus for this switch a relay RIM) under the control of a manually operable switch 145. This relay, in cooperation with. the contact segments 111 and I 12 and the wiper sets 1 14 of the respective testing devices, functions to complete circuits for respectively energizing the operating magnets of all of the marking elements during a predetermined portion of the movement of the respective wiper sets 114. The conducting segments 113, in cooperation with their respective associated wiper sets 114, are also arranged simultaneously and momentarily to complete the operating circuits for the operating magnets of the respective marking elements at the beginning of each cycle of operation of the test switch 10.

With the apparatus thus far described, it is possible simultaneously to test and record the condition of the lines or devices of ten groups of twenty-five lines or devices during each cycle of operation of the test switch 10. Alternatively, with this apparatus, twenty groups of lines, each including ten lines or less, may be tested during each cycle of operation of the switch 10 and the results of the tests recorded through operation of the recorder 20. In order to adapt the apparatus for use in testing and recording the condition of a single large group of two hundred and fifty or less lines, the register shown in Figs. 4 and 5 and the transfer switch shown in Figs. 6 and 7 are provided. For the purpose of operatively associating the register and the transfer switch with the test switch 10 and of disassociating the marking elements of the recorder from the various testing devices of the test switch 10, there are provided ten manually operable key switches indicated at 130 to 139, inclusive. Briefly described, the register shown in Figs. 4 and 5 comprises ten current pulse counting relays R500, R505, R510, R515, R520, R525, R530, R535, R540 and R545; ten control relays R500 to R560, inclusive, individually responsive to operation of the corresponding counting relays; and acontrol relay network com rising four relays R400, R410, R420 and R430 which are operative to cause the sequential operation of the enumerated pulse counting relays in response to succeeding current condition all of the counting and control relays ii to start a new cycle of operation. By this arrangement, each time ten current pulses are delivered to the control relay network illustrated in Fig. 4, the relay R559 is caused to operate to cause the operation of the marking element 310, thus indicating that ten conductors having the above-mentioned predetermined potential thereon have been tested by the test switch 10. Also, up-

on operating, the relay R550 causes the release of all of the counting and control relays of the re,,- ister so that a new current pulse counting operation is started.

The transfer switch mentioned above and illustrated in Figs. 6 and 7 comprises a plurality of current pulse counting relays R645, R050, R055,

R660, R665, R610, R615, R580, R605 and R090;

a plurality of control relays R000, R605, R610, R015, R020, R525, R630, R035 and R640; and a control relay network comprising four relays R R110, R and R130, which operate in response to successive current pulses transmitted thereto from the test switch 10 to cause the sequential operation of the enumerated pulse counting relays R045, R650, R655, etc. Each of the nine control relays R000, R505, R010, etc., is operative in response to operation of the corresponding counting relay to associate the register with a different one of the testing devices or panels embodied in the test switch 10. Thus, a complete test cycle on the part of the switch 10 comprises five revolutions of the shaft carrying the wiper sets 114 and the operation of all nine of the control relays embodied in the transfer switch shown in Figs. 6 and '7. For the purpose of initiating a new test cycle following a complete testing operation of the character described, there are provided two slow-to-release relays R580 and R585, which may be connected to be jointly controlled by the transfer switch and the test switch 10 through operation of a manually operable key switch 500. These two relays function to release all of the counting and control relays embodied in the transfer switch at the end of each complete testing operation performed by the test switch 10.

The operating circuits for the relays R580 and R585 and the various relays embodied in the register and the transfer switch commonly include a pair of terminals 21 I and 252 to which the terminals of a source of direct current as, for example, the battery 213 are adapted to be connected. For the purpose of controlling this common portion of the indicated operating circuits there is provided a master switch 200. In an assembled unit the grounded terminal 211 is connected to each of the illustrated conductors indicated as being connected to ground; the negative battery terminal 212 is connected to the negative terminal of each of the marking pen operating magnets; and the terminal 214 is connected to the illustrated negative terminals of the above-mentioned relays. For convenience in describing the circuits, however, the connecting bus conductors have not been illustrated.

As pointed out above, when the register and transfer switch are operatively associated with the test switch 10, each complete test cycle may be changed to include the testing operations performed by any desired number of the testing devices embodied in the test switch i0. To this e the circuits through which current pulses are delivered to the operating magnets of the marking elements embodied in the recorder 20 comroonly include a conductor 594 terminating in a clip 505 which is adapted to be connected to any one of the terminals 184 to inclusive, respectively embodied in the testing devices 100 to 109, inclusive. Further to this end, there is provided a second cable 595 which terminates in a clip 551. This clip is adapted to be connected to any one of the terminals Hit to 203, inclusive, which are respectively associated with the testing devices or test panels 100 to 100, inclusive. For this same purpose. there is also provided a third cable 003 terminating in a clip 604 which is adapt-- ed to be connected to any one of the terminals 000' to 0138', inclusive.

In constructing the testing and registering apparatus. described above, the various elements thereof are preferably assembled as a unit which, due to the simplicity of the apparatus, may be made of small size for easy portability. As as-- sembled, the unit preferably includes a terminal and switch panel including terminals to which the test conductors of the groups I20 to I29, inclusive, individually extend. This panel may also have mounted thereon the various key switches, mentioned above, the master switch 200, the terminals 2| I, and the respective terminals I84 to I93, inclusive, I94 to 203, inclusive, and 000' to 008', inclusive, to which the cable clips 595, '59! and 094 are adapted selectively to be connected. Also, the marking element circuit conductors CHO to CH9, inclusive, are connected to terminals mounted on the terminal panel through which connections may easily be made to the terminal block or the recorder.

Testing and recording simultaneously the condition of the lines of ten groups of lines Referring now more particularly to the operation of the apparatus, and assuming, for exam pic, that it is desired to test and record the idle or busy condition of the trunk lines of ten groups, each including twenty-five lines, the release conductOrs of the trunk lines are connected to the test conductors extending to the testing devices I to I09, inclusive. More particularly, the release conductors of the trunk lines of the first group are individually connected to the test conductors in the group 29, the release conductors of the trunk lines in the second group are individually connected to the conductors of the test conductor group I2 I, and so on. As is well known in telephone practice, the character of the potential present on the release conductor of a trunk line determines whether the line is idle or busy. In the usual arrangement, when a trunk line becomes busy, ground potential is impressed upon the release conductor thereof, whereas, so long as a line remains idle, the negative potential of the exchange battery is maintained upon its release conductor. In a testing and recording operation of the character just mentioned, the key switches I30 to I39, inclusive, M5, 200 and 590 are left in their respective normal positions, as shown in the drawings. Also, the marking element circuit conductors CHO to CH9, inclusive, are connected to the operating magnets of the recorder in the manner illustrated. With the circuits arranged in this manner and wh n the motors for respectively driving the recorder 20 and the test switch I0 are I energized, the recording tape 303 is moved across the pens of the various marking elements and the wiper sets H4 are driven over their respecti e associated contacts. When the wipers of the H4 bridge their respective associated conducting segments H3, circuits are completed for energizirg the respective operating magnets of the ten marking elements embodied in the recorder 20. Thus, when the conducting segments I I3 of the testing device I09 are bridged by the wipers of the associated wiper set H4, a circuit is completed for energizing the operating magnet 301 of the marking element I, this circuit extending from ground at the switch spring 593 by way of the spring 502, CIBI, the segments H3 of the testing device I00 as bridged by the wipers of the associated wiper set H4, 0110, and the winding of the magnet 304 to battery. When energized over this circuit, the magnet 304 attracts its associated armature to move the pen oi the marking element 30I ofi normal so that an off-trace line is inscribed upon the record str p 303. Similarly, when the conducting segments H3 of the testing device IOI are bridged by the W pers of the associated wiper set H4, a circuit is completed for energizing the operating magnet 305 of the second marking element 302, this circuit extending by way of the grounded conductor CISI, the conducting segments H3 of the testing device I01 as bridged by the associated wipers H4, (DIN, and the winding of the magnet 305 to battery. The resulting operation of the magnet 305 causes the pen of the marking ele-- ment 302 to inscribe an off-trace lin upon the record Strip a When the segments H3 of the tenth testing device I09 are bridged by the wipers of the associated wiper set H4, a circuit is completed for energizing the operating magnet 3H of the tenth marking element 3I0. This circuit extends by way of the grounded conductor CIOI, the segments H3 of the testing device I09 as bridged by the wipers of the associated Wiper set H4, CH9 and the winding of the magnet 3H to battery. The resulting operation of this magnet causes the pen of the marking ele ment 3I0 to be moved off normal to inscribe an oft-trace line on the record strip 303. In a similar manner, each of the other seven marking elements is caused to operate to inscribe an offtrace line on the record strip 303. Since the conducting segments I I3 are relatively wide, the operating magnets 304, 305, 3H, etc., of the ten marking elements are maintained energized for a substantial time interval so that relatively wide off-trace markings are inscribed on the record strip 303 during the interval when the wipers of the wiper sets H4 are traversing their respective associated contact segments H3. The coincidence and width of these markings indicate the start of a test cycle. Obviously, when the wipers of the wiper sets H4 are respectively disengaged from their associated conducting segments H3, the above-traced circuits for energizing the operating magnets 304, 305 and 3H and the other similar operating circuits for the operating magnets of the other marking elements are all interrupted, with the result that the recording pens are returned to their normal positions. During continued movement of the wipers, each of the marking pens is operated to its off-normal position each time the wipers of the corresponding testing device are operated into engagement with a contact terminating the release conductor of a busy trunk line. For example, if the first trunk line of the first group is busy, ground potential is impressed upon the No. 1 contact of the contact set H0 embodied in the testing device I00 over the first test conductor of the group I20. When, therefore, the Wipers of the Wiper set H4 embodied in the testing device I 00 connect the No. 1 contact of the associated contact set H0 to the associated contact segment III, a circuit is completed for energizing the operating magnet 304 of the first marking element 30L This circuit may be traced as extending by way of the grounded first contact of the contact set H0 embodied in the testing device I00, the wipers oi the associated wiper set H4, the associated contact segment III, the contacts I8I and I82 of the switch I30, CI'III and the winding of the magnet 304 to battery. Th resulting operation of the magnet 304 causes the pen of the marking element 30! momentarily to be moved to the cit-normal position to inscribe an off-trace line upon the record strip 303. The interval during which the magnet 304 is energized over the circuit just traced is quite short since the bridge formed by the wipers of the wiper set Ill between the contact segment I I I and the first con tact of the set I20 in the testing device I00 is interrupted shortly following its completion in response to the continued rotation of the wipers I I4. In a manner similar to that just described, the marking element SM is energized each time another of the trunk lines in the group having release conductors connected to the test conductors of the group I20 is found to be in a busy condition. For example, if the fourth, sixth and eighth trunk lines of the indicated group are busy during the test cycle under consideration, ground potential is impressed upon the conduct-- ing segment I II of the testing device I00 to cause the operation of the marking element 30I when the wipers of the associated wiper set H4 engage the fourth, sixth and eighth contacts of the contact set IIU embodied in this testing device.

During movement of the wipers H4, each or the other testing devices IM to I09, inclusive, is also operative to deliver a current pulse to the operating magnet of the associated marking element each time a tested trunk line is found to be in a busy condition. For example, if the second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth trunk lines of the group having release conductors connected to the test conductors of the group I2I are busy at the time of the test cycle under consideration, ground potential is impressed upon the contact segment III of the testing device I3! when the wipers of this device engage the second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth contacts of the associated contact set I I0. Each time ground potential is impressed upon the indicated contact segment III, the operating magnet 335 of the second marking element 302 is energized over a circuit extending by way of the grounded segment III of the device I01, the springs I8! and I82 of the switch I3I, CIII and the winding of the magnet 305 to battery. As aresult, the pen of the marking element 352 is operated to inscribe a-n off-trace line upon the record strip 303 during movement of the wipers of the set II4 embodied in the testing device IOI to engage the second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth contacts of the associated contact set IIO. Again, if the second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh trunk lines of the tenth trunk group having release conductors connected to th test conductors of the group I29 are busy during the interval of the test cycle under consideration, the op erating magnet 3| I of the tenth marking element 3H! is energized during movement of the wipers embodied in the testing device I09 to engag the respective second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh contacts of the associated contact set IIO. In this case, the circuit for energizing the magnet 3| I extends by way of the grounded contact segment III embodied in the testing device I09, the springs ISI and I82 of the switch I39, CH9 and the Winding of the magnet 3II to battery. Each time this magnet is energized, it attracts its associated armature to cause the pen of the marking element 3l0 to inscribe an offtrace line upon the record strip 363. The above testing and recording operations continue during movement of the Wipers of the various testing devices over the first twenty-five contacts of their respective associated contact sets H3. At the end of the test cycle and during movement of the indicated wipers over the twenty-sixth, twenty-seventh and twenty-eighth contacts of their respective associated contact sets H0, the operating magnets of the marking elements embodied in the recorder 20 are not energized, thus providing a spacing interval between the completed test cycle and the next succeeding test cycle. At the beginning of the next test cycle, the wipers of the various testing devices again bridge their respective associated contact se ments H3 to again energize the operating magnets of all of the marking elements, whereby coincident and relatively wide off-trace lines are inscribed upon the record strip 303 to designate the beginning of the new test cycle.

The form of record obtained durin a complete test cycle of the character just described is illustrated in Fig. 8 wherein a segment of the record strip 333 is shown. As described above, at the beginning of the test cycle, all of the marking elements were operated for a short time interval so that coincident off-trace markings, indicated "were inscribed upon the record strip. Io 'ng these coincident markings, four off-trace l is? Stat, 651?, 863 and 834 were inscribed upon the record strip 303 by the first inarking element 39!. These four lines indicate that four trunk lines in the first group of trunk lines were found to be busy during the test cycle. Ivioreover, the spacing between the enumeratel markings indicates that the first, fourth, sixth and eighth trunk lines were the busy lines of the first group. In a similar manner, the five offtrace lines inscribed by the second marking element 352 on the record strip 303 indicate that five trunk lines of the second group were found to be busy during the test cycle and the spacing between the off-trace markings indicates that the second, third, fourth, sixth and seventh lines were the busy lines of the second group. In View of this explanation, the significance of the re maining off-trace lines shown in Fig. 8 and inscribed by the other marking elements of the recorder it upon the record strip 303 will be readily apparent. Following the completion of the test cycle and just preceding the next succeeding cycle, when the operating magnets of the marking elements were again energized, coincident off-trace markings 600 were inscribed upon the record strip to indicate the start of the new test cycle.

Testing and recording the condition of lines divided into twenty groups of ten lines or less each When it is desired simultaneously to test and record the condition of a plurality of trunk lines divided into a large number of small groups of ten or more lines each, the release conductors of the lines in each of two groups are connected to the test conductors extending to each testing device. For example, the release conductors of the first two groups of lines to be tested may be connected to the test conductors of the conductor set I29 extending to the testing device I00, the release conductors of the lines in the third and fourth groups may be connected to the test conductors of the group I2 I, and so on. In the event the groups contain a like number of ten lines each, the test conductors respectively extending to the first to tenth contacts and the sixteenth to twenty-fifth contacts of the contact sets III] respectively embodied in the testing devices are utilized as the active test contacts, the test conductors extending to the eleventh to fifteenth contacts of each of the contact sets II 0 being left open-circuited. In order to cause the recorder it to record markings separating the records made with respect to the two groups of lines tested by each testing device during each cycle of operation of the test switch I0, the key switch hit is operated to its oifnornia1 position to complete an obvious circuit for energizing the relay ENG. This relay, upon operating, completes, at its armatures RAI iI to BMW, inclusive, parts for impressing ground potential upon the contact segments II2 of the respective testing contacts I60 to I08, inclusive. These paths commonly extend by way of the grounded conductor CIGZ and branch through the respective enumerated armatures of the relay RIM] to the respective contact segments II2 of the ten testing devices. In performing testing and recording operations of this character the key switches I33 to I39, inclusive, 200 and 598 are left in their respective normal positions, and the marking element conductors CI'IO to CH9, inclusive, are connected to the pen operating magnets of the recorder 20 in the manner illustrated. With the connections arranged in this manner and during operation of the apparatus, the testing and recording operations performed on the individual lines are carried out in the exact manner described in the preceding section. Also, at the beginning of each cycle of operation of the test switch ID, when the wipers of each of the wiper sets H4 bridge their associated conducting segments H3, all of the marking elements embodied in the recorder 20 are caused to operate to inscribe coincident off-trace lines upon the record strip 353, thereby to indicate the beginning of the test cycle. The testing of the respectivefirst groups of lines associated with the various testing devices is completed when the wipers of the testing devices are moved to disengage the tenth contacts of their respective associated contact sets IID, while the testing of the second groups of lines respectively associated with the testing devices is started when the indicated wipers are moved into engagement with the sixteenth contacts of their respective associated contact sets IID. During the intervening movement and when the wipers bridge their respective associated contact segments I II and I I2, circuits are completed for energizing the operating magnets of all of the marking elements embodied in the recorder 2-3. For example, the magnet 304 of the first marking element SDI is energized over a circuit extending by way of the grounded conductor CIB2, RAIN, the contact segments H2 and III of the testing device I as bridged by the wipers of the associated wiper set Ill, the switch springs I8I and I82 of the switch I30, CH0 and the winding of the magnet 364 to battery. The corresponding circuit for the operating magnet 3'35 of the second marking element 302 extends by way of the grounded conductor CI62, RAMI, the contact segments H2 and III of the testing device IGI as bridged by the wipers of the associated wiper set I M, the switch springs I8I and I82 of the switch I3I, CITI and the winding of the magnet 33?: to battery. Again, the corresponding operating circuit for the magnet 3 of the tenth marking element 3H) may be traced as extending by way of the grounded marking conductor C I 62, RAI 49, the bridged contact segments H2 and III of the testing device I09 as bridged by the wipers of the associated wiper set H4, the springs IBI and IE2 of the switch I39, CH9 and the winding of the magnet 3 to battery. Similar and obvious circuits are completed for energizing the operating magnets of the other seven marking elements. The resulting simultaneous operation of the ten marking elements causes coincident off-trace lines to be inscribed upon the record strip 333. It will be noted that the length of each of the segments H2 is considerably greater than the length of each of the segments H3 and, hence, the period during which the operating magnets of the marking elements are maintained energized over the circuits just traced is considerably greater than the period during which the marking elements are simultaneously operated at the beginning of each cycle of operation of the test switch In. As a result, longer coincident oil-trace lines are inscribed upon. the record strip 3E3 during movement of the switch wipers to traverse their respective associated contact segments H2.

The character of a typical record inscribed upon a segment of the record strip 323 during a complete cycle of operation of the test switch I0, when the apparatus is arranged in the manner just described, is illustrated in Fig. 9. In this figure, the coincident ofl-trace markings 900 and 908 designate the starting points for two different cycles of operation of the test switch IS. The off-trace lines indicated at Bill and inscribed upon the record strip by the first marking element 3M designate busy trunk lines tested by the first testing device 280 during the operation of this device to test the ten lines of the first group associated therewith. The spacing between the individual marks inscribed upon the record strip by this first pen indicate that the first, second, third, fifth and sixth trunk lines of the indicated group were in a busy condition when tested. In a similar manner, the off-trace lines indicated at 992 and inscribed by the sec ond marking element 382 of the recorder show that six lines of the first group tested by the testing device Hl I were in a busy condition when tested, and the spacing of these lines indicates that the busy lines were the first, third, seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth lines of the group. The relatively long coincident oil-trace lines indicated at 993, inscribed upon the record strip through operation of the marking elements during the interval separating the operations of the respective testing devices to test their respective associated first groups of lines and their respective associated second groups of lines, indicate the completion of the tests of the respective first groups of lines individually associated with the various testing devices. The off-trace lines indicated at 904 and 985 respectively designate busy trunk lines of the second groups respectively tested by the two testing devices I00 and IOI. The four marks indicated at 904 and inscribed upon the record strip by the first marking element I show that four trunk lines of the second group tested by the testing device I00 were busy at the time of the test and the spacing of these lines identifies the third, eighth, ninth and tenth lines of the tested group as the busy lines. Similarly, the two off-trace lines indicated at 905 and inscribed upon the record strip by the second marking element 392 indicate that two of the lines of the second group tested by the testing device Ifii were busy at the time of the test and the spacing of these lines identifies the third and eighth lines of the tested group as the busy lines. In view of the foregoing explanation, the significance of the remaining off-trace lines inscribed upon the segment of the record strip shown in Fig. 9 is believed to be obvious.

Testing in succession the lines of one large group and recording the condition thereof When it is desired to test in succession and record the condition of the lines forming a single large group, the release conductors of the lines are connected to the test conductors of the test switch I!) in the manner previouslly explained. If desired, the lines to be tested may be subdivided into ten subgroups, the release conductors of which are connected in groups to the groups of test conductors of the respective testing devices. As explained subsequently, with the release conductor connections arranged in this manner, the apparatus may easily be conditioned to test and record the condition of the lines of the various subgroups simultaneously without altering the release conductor connections. Further, to condition the apparatus to test in succession the lines of a large group of lines and to record the condition thereof, the ten key switches I39 to I33, inclusive, are operated to their respective off-normal positions so that the movable spring IBI of each thereof is disengaged from its associated spring I32 and is moved into engagement with its associated spring I83. Assuming that from two hundred and twenty-six to two hundred and fifty lines are included in the group upon which the observation is to be made, the clip 694 terminating the conductor 693 is connected to the terminal 608; the clip 59'! terminating the conductor 556 is connected to the terminal 203; and the clip 595 terminating the conductor 596 is connected to the terminal I93. Also, the switch 598 is moved to its off-normal position and the switch 290 is operated to close its contacts in order to prepare the respective operating circuits for the relays embodied in the transfer switch shown in Figs. 6 and 7 and the register illustrated in Figs. 4 and 5. The switch I45 is maintained in its normal position so that the relay 3M6 is in its restored position throughout the test. Finally, the marking element conductors Cllil to CII9, inclusive, are connected to the pen operating magnets of the recorder 29 in the manner illustrated, and the speed of the record strip 3G3 is reduced to a low value by changing the gear ratio between the driving motor of the recorder and the driving roller for the record strip.

With the apparatus arranged in the manner just described, the transfer switch shown in Figs. 6 and '7 operates successively to associate the register shown in Figs. 4 and 5 with different ones of the testing devices I90 to Hi9, inclusive, in response to current pulses transmitted thereto through operation of the first testing device I06 at the end of each cycle of operation of the test switch l9. Each of the testing devices, when operatively associated with the register shown in Figs. 4 and 5, operates to transmit a current pulse to the register each time a test conductor having ground potental thereon is encountered by the wipers thereof. More particularly, during the first cycle of operation of the test switch It, ground potential is impressed upon the pulsing conductor C559 each time the wipers of the testing device H35 encounter a contact of the associated set IIil having ground potential thereon, The path over which ground is connected to the pulsing conductor C669 may be traced as extending from the grounded contact of the contact set I it embodied in the testing device I60 by way of the wipers of the associated wiper set H4, the associated contact segment III, the springs NH and I83 of the switch I30, C604 and RA'flI to the conductor C669. The first time groin id potential is impressed upon the indicated pulsing conductor, the relay R436 is energized over a circuit extending by way of this conductor, RA42I and the winding of R439 to battery. When energized over this circuit, the relay R4331 operates to complete, at

RA43I and its associated working contact, a circuit extending by way of C433 and RAM? for energizing the first counting relay R5fl0. Upon operating, the relay R509 completes, at RA'JOZ, a path for short-circuiting the winding of the second counting relay R565, this path extending from ground at RAJZSI by way of C433, RASOI, the winding of R555, RAEEJZ, C588, and RA5'I9 back to ground at RA582. At FLA-5&3, the relay R509 completes a circuit for energizing the first control relay R5653, this circuit extending by way of the grounded register release conductor C588, RA593 and the winding of R568 to battery. The control relay R556, upon operating, prepares, at RA5'H3, a circuit for energizing the operating magnet 2:34 of the first marking element 9M embodied in the recorder 26.

At RAEEH, the counting relay R599, upon operating, completes a circuit for energizing the relay B itt}, this circuit extending by way of the grounded release conductor C538, RAiiliI, RABOG, C432 and the winding of R400 to battery. The relay R499 now operates to complete, at RA4I12, a circuit extending by way of RAM I, C4 33 and RASIJ'I for maintaining the first counting relay R590 operated after the current pulse transmitted to the relay R439 in the manner described above is ended. At RA iBl, the relay R prepares a circuit for energizing the relay R420. When the wipers of the testing device I60 are disengaged from the contact of the associated contact set His having ground potential thereon, the current pulse transmitted to the relay R436 by way of the pulsing conductor C2553 is terminated, causing this relay to restore and complete, at RAGSE, the prepared operating circuit for the relay R526. This circuit extends from ground by way of RANI, RAttI and the winding of R420 to battery. The relay R429, upon operating, opens, at RA-l2l and its associated resting contact, a point in the previously traced operating circuit for the relay R530 and repares, at RA EEI and its associated working contact, a circuit for energizing the relay EH9. Thereafter, and when ground potential is again impressed upon the pulsing conductor C669 through operation of the testing device Hi9 to test another busy line, a current pulse is transmitted to the relay am, the circuit traversed by this current pulse extending by way of the grounded conductor C659, RAM! and the winding of RMEI to battery. When energized over this circuit, the relay PAH operates to complete a holding circuit for the operated relay R420, this holding circuit extending by way of the grounded conductor 06%, EAMZ and the winding of R429 to battery. At RA iIi, the relay Rfilfl opens a point in the previously traced path short-circuiting the winding of the second counting relay R505. When this path is interrupted the respective windings of the two relays R509 and R595 are energized in series over a circuit extending by way of the grounded release conductor C588, RABfiZ, the winding of and the winding of R586 to battery. When energized over this circuit the relay R596 remains operated and the second counting relay R505 operates to complete, at RAEOS, a circuit extending by way of the grounded release conductor C588 for energizing the second control relay R5621. The last-mentioned relay, upon operating, opens, at RAE?! and its associated resting contact, the prepared circuit for energizing the operating magnet 384 of the first marking element MI. At RAEllI and its associated working contact, the second control relay R56I prepares a circuit for energizing the operating magnet 305 of the second marking element 302.

The second counting relay R505, upon operating, also opens, at RA50'I and its associated resting contact, a point in the previously traced circuit for energizing the first counting relay R500. At this same armature and its associated working contact, the relay R505 prepares a circuit for energizing the third counting relay RI0. At RA506 and its associated resting contact, the relay R505 opens a point in the previously traced circuit for energizing the relay R400, causing the last-mentioned relay to restore. At RA506 and its associated working contact, the relay R505 prepares a second circuit for energizing the indicated control relay R400. The relay R400, upon restoring, opens, at RA40I, a point in the operating circuit for the relay R420 and, at RA402, a further point in the above-traced operating circuit for the first counting relay R500.

When ground potential is removed from the pulsing conductor C669 through continued operation of the testing device I00, thereby to terminate the current pulse transmitted to the relay R4I0, this relay and the relay R420 restore. The relay R4I0, upon restoring, reprepares, at RA4 I I, a point in the common portion of the operating circuits for the odd numbered counting relays and opens, at RA4I2, a point in the previously traced holding circuit for the relay R420. The relay R420, upon restoring, opens, at RA42I and its associated working contact, a further point in the operating circuit for the relay R4I0 and reprepares, at RA42I and its associated resting contact, the previously traced operating circuit for the relay R430.

The control network of the register, illustrated in Fig. 4, responds to succeeding current pulses transmitted thereto to cause the sequential operation of succeeding ones of the counting relays shown in Fig. 5, in a manner similar to that just described. Thus, the relay R430, upon operating at the beginning of the third current pulse transmitted by way of the pulsing conductor C669, completes, at RA43I, the prepared operat ing circuit for the third counting relay R5 l 0, this circuit extending by way of C433, RAESiil and its associated working contact, RAEI'I and its asso ciated resting contact and the winding of the relay R5I0 to battery. Upon operating, the relay R5I0 recompletes the operating circuit for the relay R400, completes a path for short-circuiting the winding of the fourth counting relay R4I5 and completes, at RA5I3, a circuit including the grounded release conductor C583 for energizing the third control relay R502, which latter relay operates to open the prepared operating circuit for the operating magnet 305 of the second marking element 302 and to prepare the operating circuit for the operating magnet of the third marking element, not shown. In this case, the path for short-circuiting the winding of the fourth counting relay R5 I 5 extends by way of the grounded release conductor C588, RA5I2, the winding of R5I5, RAEI'I, RA50'I and C433, back to ground at RA43I. The circuit over which the relay R400 is energized the second time extends by way of the grounded release conductor C588, RA50I, RA506, RA5II, RAMS, C432 and the winding of R400 to battery. Upon operating, the relay R400 completes, at RA402, a holding circuit extending by way of RAM I, C433, RA50'I, and RA5I'I for the third counting relay R5 I 0. At RA40I, the relay R400 reprepares the operating circuit for the control relay R420, this latter circuit being completed at the end of the third current pulse and in response to the restoration of the relay R430 in the manner previously ex plained. With the relay R420 operated, the fourth current pulse transmitted from the test switch I0 over the pulsing conductor C669 is utilized to energize the relay R4I0. This relay, upon operating the second time, opens, at RAM I, a point in the previously traced path short-circuiting the winding of the fourth counting relay R515 and completes, at RAMZ, the above-traced holding circuit for the relay R420. Following the second operation of the relay R4i0, the respective windings oi the third and fourth counting relays REID and REIE are energized in series over a circuit extending by way of the grounded release conductor C588, RABIL, the winding of RE I 5 and the winding of R5I0 to battery. The relay REID remains operated, when energized in series with the relay R5I5 over the circuit just traced, and the relay REES operates to complete, at RAEIB, a circuit including the grounded release conductor C588, for energizing the fourth control relay R503. This control relay, upon operating, opens the prepared operating circuit for the operating magnet of the third marking element and prepares a circuit for energizing the operating magnet of the fourth marking element. At RASI'I, the relay R5I5, upon operating, opens a further point in the operating circuit for the relay R510 and prepares the operating circuit for the fifth counting relay R5320. At RA5I6, the relay REIS opens the operating circuit for the relay R400 and prepares a new operating circuit for the last-mentioned relay. The relay R400 now restores to open, at RA402, a further point in the common portion of the operating circuits for the respective odd numbered counting relays and interrupts, at RA40I, the operating circuit for the relay R4250. Thereafter and when the fourth current pulse transmitted by way of the pulsing conductor C069 is terminated, the two relays R4I0 and R420 are caused to restore. From this point on, the manner in which the remaining counting and control relays oi the register shown in Figs. 4 and 5 are successively energized in response to succeeding current pulses transmitted over the pulsing conductor 0009 to the control network illustrated in Fig. 4 is in all respects similar to the operation of the first four counting relays as described above.

When the tenth counting relay R545 is energized in series with the ninth counting relay R540 at the beginning of the tenth current pulse transmitted over the pulsing conductor C369 to the register, it operates to open, at RA546 and its associated resting contact, the operating circuit for the control relay R400. The relay R400, upon restoring, interrupts the operating circuit for the relay R420 so that, at the end of the tenth pulse transmitted over the pulsing lead C669, the two relays RM!) and R400 are caused to restore. Thus, at the end of the tenth current pulse, all four of the control relays R400, R4I0, R420 and R430 are deenergized. When the tenth counting relay R545 operates, it also completes, at RA546, a circuit for energizing the operating magnet 3| I of the tenth marking element 3I0, this circuit extending by way of the grounded release conductor C588, the chain path comprising the operated armatures RA50I, RA505, RASII, RASIB, RA52 I, RA526, RA53I, RA536, RA54I and RA546 of the ten operated counting relays, CH0 and the winding of the magnet 3H to battery. As a arouse? result, the pen of the tenth marking element 3I0 is moved to the oil-normal position to inscribe an off-trace line upon the record strip 303.

At RA548, the tenth counting relay R545, upon operating, completes a circuit including the grounded release conductor C588 for energizing the tenth control relay R569, which latter relay is of the slow-to-release type. The relay R569, upon operating, opens, at RA519, a point in the path over which ground potential is impressed upon the release conductor C588, thereby to interrupt the holding circuits over which all of the counting and control relays or" the register are being held operated. Accordingly, all of the counting and control relays of the register are caused to restore. When the relay R569 operates to disconnect ground from the release conductor C580, the above-traced circuit for energizing the pen magnet 3 is interrupted, whereby the marking element 3I0 is returned to its normal position. Due to its slow-to-release characteristic, the tenth control relay R569 is the last of the indicated relays to restore and, upon restoring, recompletes, at RA519, the previously traced path over which ground potential is impressed upon the release conductor C588. Thus, the register is conditioned to start a new cycle of operation. The manner in which the register operates in response to each succeeding series of ten current pulses transmitted thereto is identical with that just described, it being pointed out that each time the tenth counting relay R545 operates, the operating magnet 3| I of the tenth marking element 3I0 is momentarily energized to cause an off-trace line to be inscribed upon the record strip 303.

As indicated above, at the end of each cycle of operation of the test switch I0, a current pulse is transmitted to the control apparatus of the transfer switch shown in Figs. 6 and '7. Thus, at the end of the first half revolution of the wiper set embodied in the testing device I and when the wipers of this wiper set establish a bridge between the associated contact I I and the twenty-sixth contact of the associated contact set IIO, a circuit is completed for energizing the relay R130 of the transfer switch control network, this circuit extending from ground at the contact N5 of the testing device I00 by way of the wipers of this testing device and the twenty-sixth contact of the associated contact set M0, the pulsing conductor C559, RA12I and the winding of R130 to battery. Upon operating, the relay R130 completes, at RA13I, a circuit extending by way of C619 and RABBZ for energizing the first transfer relay R645 of the transfer switch. The relay R645, upon operating, completes, at RA641, a path for short-circuiting the winding of the second transfer relay R650, this path extending from ground at RA13I by way of C510, RA652, the winding of R650, RA041 and the release conductor C643 back to ground at RA582. At RA643, the relay R645 completes a circuit for energizing the control relay R100, this circuit extending by way of the grounded release conductor C643, RAMS, RA653, C689 and the winding of R100 to battery. The relay R100, upon operating, applies, at RA102, multiple ground to the conductor C610, thereby to complete a multiple path short-circuiting the winding of R650 and a holding circuit for the first transfer relay R545. At RAI, the relay R100 prepares a circuit for energizing the relay R120. Thereafter, and when the wipers of the testing device I00 are moved to disconnect the contact I I5 of this device from the twenty-sixth Contact of the associated contact set- IIO, thereby to terininate the current pulse transmitted over the pulsing conductor C659 to the relay R130, the last-mentioned relay restores to. complete the operating circuit for the rela R120, this circuit extending from ground at RA13I by way of RA10I and the winding of R120 to battery. The relay R120 now operates to open, at RA'IZI and its associated resting contact, a point in the abovetraced operating circuit for the relay R130. At RA12I and, its associated working contact, the relay R120 prepares a circuit for energizing the relay R1I0.

When the first transfer relay R645 operates, it also completes, at RA646, a circuit extending by way of the grounded release conductor C643 for energizing the first control relay R600. The relay R600, upon operating, disconnects, at RA I, the register pulsing conductor C669 from the contact segment III of the first testing device I00, and connects this pulsing conductor to the contact segment II I of the second testing device IN. The conductor C669 isconnected to the segment III of the testing device I01 over a path extending by way of RA60I and its associated working contact RA606, C603 and the springs I83 and IBI of the switch I3I to the contact segment I II of the testing device I 0|. Asa result of this transfer operation, current pulses are transmitted over the pulsing conductor C669 to the register shown in Figs. 4 and 5 only in response to operation of the second testing device I 0| to test the lines having release conductors connected to the test conductors of the group I2 I. The manner in which the lines of this second group are tested is in all respects identical With. the testing operations previously de: scribed. At the end of the second cycle of operation of the test switch I0, the, first testing device I00 operates to again impress ground potential upon the pulsing conductor C659, thereby to transmit a second current pulse over this conductor tothe control apparatus of the transfer switch as shown in Fig. 7. This second pulse is utilized to energize the relay R1I0, the operating circuit for this relay extending by way of the grounded pulsing conductor C659, RA12I and its associated. Working contact, and the winding of R1I.0 to battery. Upon operating, the relay 'R11I 0 completes, at RA1I2, a circuit including the grounded pulsing conductor C659 for maintaining the relay R120 energized until the second current pulse transmitted over C659 is ended. At RA1II, the relay R1I0 opens a point in the previously traced path short-circuiting the wind-, ing of the second transfer relay R650. Following this operation, the respective windings of the two transfer relays R645 and R650 are energized in series over a. circuit extending by I way of the grounded release conductor C643,

RA64 1, the winding of R650 and the winding of R645 to battery. The relay R645 remains operated and the second transfer relay R650 operates when this series circuit is established. Upon operating, the relay R650 opens, at RA652, a

point in the operating circuit for the first transfer relay R645 and prepares a circuit for energizing th third transfer relay R655. At RA653 and its associated resting contact, the relay R4650 interrupts the previously traced operating circuit for the relay R causing the last-mentioned relay to restore to open, at RA102, a further point in the previously traced path for shortcircuiting the winding of the transfer relay R650.

At RA10I, the relay R100 interrupts the abovetraced operating circuit for the relay R120. Thereafter and when the second current pulse transmitted over the pulsing conductor C659 to the control apparatus of Fig. '7 is terminated, the two relays R1I0 and R120 restore. Thus, at the end of the second or first even numbered pulse, all of the relays shown in Fig. '1 are deenergized.

The second transfer relay R650, upon operating, also completes, at RA65I, a circuit including the grounded release conductor C643 for energizing the second control relay R605 of the transfer switch. This control relay, upon operating, attracts its armature RA606 to disconnect the pulsing conductor C669, extending to the register, shown in Figs. 4 and 5, from the contact segment III of the second testing device IM and to connect this pulsing conductor to the contact segment III of the third testing device I02. The path over which the pulsing conductor C669 is connected to the contact segment III of the third testing device I02 may be traced as extending by way of RA60I and its associated working contact, RA606 and its associated working contact, RA6II and its associated resting contact, C609, and the springs I63 and I BI of the switch I32 to the contact segment III of the testing device I02. Thus, the third testing device I02 is operatively associated With the register so that, during the third cycle of operation of the test switch I0, current pulses are transmitted to the register only in response to the operation of the third testing device to test busy lines in the associated group of lines, At the end of the third cycle of operation of the test switch l0, the testing device I00 again functions to impress ground potential upon the pulsing con.- ductor C659, whereby the control relay R130 is again energized. Upon operating the second time, the relay R130 completes, at RA13I, the circuit for energizing the third transfer relay R655, this circuit extending by way of C619, RA652, RA662 and the winding of R655 to battery. Upon operating, the relay R655 completes a path for short-circuiting the winding of the fourth transfer relay R660, this path extending by way of the grounded conductor C619, RA652, RA662, the winding of R660, and RJA651 to the rounded release conductor C643. At RA656, the relay R655 completes a second circuit for energizing the relay R100, this second circuit extending by way of the grounded conductor C643, RA648, RA653, RA658, RA663, C609 and the winding of R100 to battery. The relay R100 now operates to reprepare the operating circuit for the relay R120 and to connect multiple ground to the conductor C619, thereby to complete a multiple holding circuit for the third transfer relay R655 and a multiple path short-circuiting the winding of the fourth transfer relay R660. At the end of the third current pulse transmitted from the testing device I00 to the control apparatus shown in Fig. '7, the relay R130 again restores to recomplete the previously traced operating circuit for the relay R120, causing the last-mentioned relay to operate and reprepare the operating circuit for the relay R1I0.

The third transfer relay R655, upon operating, also completes, at RA656, a circuit including the grounded release conductor C643 for energizing the third control relay R6I0 of the transfer switch. The last-mentioned relay, in turn, operates to disconnect, at RA6I I, the pulsing conductor C669 from the contact segment III of the third testing device I02 and to connect this pulsing conductor to the contact segment III of the fourth testing device I03. The path over which the pulsing conductor C669 is connected to the contact segment III of the fourth testing device I03 may be traced as extending by way of RA60I, RA606, RABI l, RA6I6, C608 and the switch springs I83 and I8I of the switch I33 to the contact segment III of the indicated testing device. Thus, the third control relay R6I0 operates to associate the register shown in Figs. 4 and 5 with the fourth testing device I03, so that the counting relays of the register are successively energized in response to succeeding current pulses transmitted from the indicated testing device over the pulsing conductor 0669 during the fourth cycle of operation of the test switch I0. At the end of the fourth cycle of operation of the test switch I0, the testing device I00 again functions to impress ground potential upon the pulsing conductor C659 with the result that the relay R1I0 is again energized and operates to open, at RA1II, the path short-circuiting the winding of the fourth transfer relay R660 and to complete, at RA1I2, the previously traced holding circuit for the relay R120. When the relay R1I0 operates the second time, the transfer relay R660 is energized in series with the third transfer relay R655 over a circuit extending by way of the grounded release conductor C643, RA651, the winding of R660 and the winding of R655 to battery. Upon operating, the relay R660, at RA662, opens a point in the operating circuit for the relay R655 and prepares a circuit for energizing the fifth transfer relay R665. At RA663, the relay R660 interrupts the pre viously traced alternative operating circuit for the control relay R100, causing the last-mentioned relay to restore to open, at RA10I, a point in the operating circuit for the relay R120. Thereafter and at the end of the fourth current pulse transmitted by the testing device I00 over the pulsing conductor C659, the two relays R1I0 and R restore. Thus, at the end of the fourth current pulse transmitted to the transfer switch, all of the control relays shown in Fig, 7 are tie-- energized,

The fourth transfer relay R660, upon operating, also completes, at RA66I, a circuit including the grounded release conductor 0603 for energizing the fourth control relay R615. The relay R6I5 now operates to disconnect the pulsing conductor C669 from the contact segment II I of the fourth testing device I03 and to connect this pulsing conductor to the contact segment III of the fifth testing device I 04. The path over which the pulsing conductor C669 is connected to the contact segment II I of the last-mentioned testing device may be traced as extending by way of RA60I, RA606, RABII, RA6I6, RA62I, C6I9 and the springs I83 and I8I of the switch I34 to the contact segment I! of the testing device I04. The manner in which the remaining transfer and control relays of the transfer switch sequentially operate in response to succeeding current pulses transmitted by the testing device I00 to the control apparatus shown in Fig, '1 is substantially similar to that described above and will be readily understood. Each time one of the transfer relays operates, the associated control relay is energized and operates to associate the register with a succeeding one of the testing devices. When the ninth control relay R640 operates, it also functions to prepare a circuit, traced hereinafter, for energizing the operating magnet of one of-"the ten marking elements embodied in the recorder 20 anda circuit for; energizing the relay R580. At the end of the tenth cycle of operation of the test switch I and when the wipers of the testing device I 00 establish a bridge be-' tween the associated contact and the twentysixth contact of the associated set IIO, the tenth current pulse is delivered over the pulsing conductor 0659 to the transfer switch control apparatus shown in Fig. '7. This apparatus functions in the manner previously explained to interrupt the path short-circuiting the winding of the tenth transfer relay R590 permitting this relay to be energized in series with the ninth transfer relay R585. Shortly thereafter, and when the wiper set II4 of the tenth testing device I09 establishes a bridge between its associated contact H6 and the twenty-seventh contact of the associated contact set H0, a circuit is completed for energizing the operating magnet of the marking element in the recorder which corresponds to the last operated one of the control relays embodied in the register. For example, if the second control relay R56I of the register is the last operated one of the register control relays at the time the wiper set of the testing device I09 reaches the position indicated, the operating magnet 305 of the second marking element 302 is energized. The circuit for energizing this magnet may be traced as extending by way of the grounded conductor 693, the clip 694, the terminal 608,, RA642, 0644, the contact II6 of the testing device I09 and the twenty-seventh contact of the associated contact set IIO as bridged by the wipers of the associated wiper set II4, the terminal I93, the clip 595, the conductor 594, RA570, RA5'II, RA5.I2, CI'II and the winding of the magnet 305 to battery. When this circuit is completed, the marking element 302 is operated to inscribe anoff-trace line upon the record strip 303. It will be noticed that the circuit for energizing the indicated magnet 305 includes an armature chain controlled by the control relays of the register. Hence, the particular marking element which is operated at theend of the tenth cycle of operation of the test switch I0 depends upon the number of operated relays in the register, For example, if five of the register control relays are operated at the end of the tenth cycle of operation of the test switch I0, the operating l magnet of the fifth marking element is alone energized, the circuit for energizing this. magnet being substantially similar to that traced above but extending by way of the armature chain- RA5I0, RASII, RA5I2, RA5I3, RA5I4 and RA5'I5 to the conductor CH4, which conductor is connected to the operating magnet of the fifthmarking element embodied in the recorder 20; Again, if seven of the register control relays are operated at the end of the tenth cycle of operation of the test switch I0, the operating magnet oi the seventh marking element is energized.

When the Wipers of the wiper set II4 embodied in the tenth testing device I09 are moved to disengage the associated contact I I6 andthetwentyseventh contact of the associated contact set I I 0, a point is opened in the above-traced circuit for energizing the operating magnet of the marking element corresponding to the last operated one of the register control relays or, in the case assumed above, a point in the operating circuit for the magnet 305 of the second marking element 302. When this magnet is deenergized, the pen of the marking element 302 is returned to its normal position. Thereafter and when the wipers, of the testing device- I 09 bridge the, associated contact H1 and the twenty-eighth contact of the associated' contact set I I0, a circuit is completed for energizing the slow-to-release relay R580, this circuit extending from ground by way of the conductor 693, the clip 694, the terminal 608', RA642, C844, the contact II! of the device I09 and the twenty-eighth contact of the associated contact set I I0 as bridged by the wipers of the associated wiper set I I4, the terminal 203, the clip 591, the conductor 596, and the winding of R580 to battery. The relay R580 now operates to disconnect-ground from the two release conductors C588 and C643, thereby to deenergize all of the transfer and. control relays embodied in the transfer switch and the operated ones of the counting and control relays embodied in the register. Thus, the transfer switch and the register are both conditioned to start new cycles of operation. In this regard, it is pointed out that, if an odd number of the counting relays in the register are operated at the time the slow-torelease relay R580 operates, such that the two relays R400 and R420 of the control network shown in Fig. 4 are operated, the two last-mentioned relays are sequentially deenergized since the operating circuit for th relay R400 includes the-normally grounded release conductorC588.

The relay R580, upon operating, also completes a holding circuit for itself, this circuit extending from ground at RA58I by way of RA586 and the winding of R580 to battery. With the relay R580 operated, ground potential is impressed upon the respective inner conducting segments II3 of all of the testing devices I00 to I09, inclusive, over a path extending from ground at RA58I by way of the switch springs 59I and 592 and CI6I to each of the conducting segments noted. When the wipers of the testing device I09 are moved to disengage the twenty-eighth contact of the associated contact set III), the above-traced operating circuit for the relay R580 is interrupted. Thereafter and when the wipers of the respective testing devices are driven into engagement with their respective associated contact segments II3, the previously traced circuits are completed for energizing the respective operating magnets of all of the marking elements embodied in the recorder 20. As a result, all of the marking elements are operated to inscribe coincident off-trace lines upon the record strip 303, these lines indicating that the testing and recording cycle is fully completed. At, this time, a circuit is also completed for energizing the slow-to-release relay R585, this circuit extending from ground at RA58I by way of the switch springs 59I and 592, CIBI, the contact segments H3 and associated wipers of the testing device I09, CH9 and the winding of R585 to battery. Upon operating, the relay R585 opens, at RA580, a point in the above-traced holding circuit for the relay R580 and completes, at RA581, an alternative path for impressing ground potential upon the conductor CIGI, thereby to maintain itself operated and to maintain the operating magnets of the ten marking devices I to I09, inclusive, are moved out of engagement with their respective associated conducting segments II3, the operating circuits for the operating magnets of the ten marking elements are all interrupted so that these marking elements are restored to normal. Also, when the wipers of the testing device I09 disengage the associated conducting segments H3, the holding circuit for the relay R585 is interrupted and this relay restores. At this point in the operation of the apparatus, a new testing cycle is initiated, the mode of operation of the apparatus during each succeeding cycle being exactly the same as just described.

The form of a typical record inscribed upon a segment of the record strip 303 during a complete test cycle of the character described above is illustrated in Fig. 10, wherein the coincident offtrace lines I000 indicate the end of one testing cycle, the marks indicated at IO0I denote operations of the tenth marking element 3I0, the mark I002 denotes a single operation of the second marking element 302, and the coincident oiT-trace lines indicated at I000 denote the end of the test cycle. From a consideration of this record, it will be noted that seven operations of the tenth marking element 3I0 are recorded, and, further, that the second marking element 302 was operated at the end of the test cycle. Hence, this record indicates that seventy-two lines of the tested group were found to be busy during the complete test cycle, each operation of the tenth marking element denoting ten busy lines, and the single operation of the second marking element denoting the busy condition of two additional lines.

With the apparatus arranged in the manner described above, it may be conditioned simultaneously to test the lines of the ten subgroups in succession without in any way altering the connections between the release conductors of the lines and the test conductors of the test switch It. To this end, it is only necessary to restore the ten key switches I30 to I39, inclu sive, to their respective normal positions and to restore the switches 200 and 590 to normal.

' When these operations are performed, the register and transfer switch are effectively disassociated from the test switch I0 and the ten marking elements of the recorder are connected to be directly controlled by corresponding ones of the testing devices I00 to I09, inclusive. Thus, at the springs of the switch 200, a point is opened in the common portion of the operating circuits for the relays R580 and R505 and the various relays embodied in the transfer switch and the register, thereby to preclude the operation of any of these relays. When the switch I is restored to normal, the contact segment HI of the testing device I00 is disconnected, at the springs I8I and I83, from the conductor C604 extending to the transfer switch and is connected by way of the springs I8I and I62 and the conductor CHO directly to one terminal of the operating magnet 304 of the first marking element 30L Similarly, the contact segment III of the second testing device I00 is disconnected from the second conductor C603 extending to the transfer switch and is connected directly to the conductor CIII extending to the operating magnet 305 of the second marking element 302 when the key switch I3I is restored to normal. The contact segments III of the other testing devices are similarly directly included in the operating circuits for the operating magnets of the respective corresponding marking elements. After the indicated switches have been restored to normal, each marking element embodied in the recorder 20 is operated to inscribe an oil-trace line on the record strip 303 each time the associated testing device operates to test a busy line in the associated subgroup, all in the manner previously explained. Also, the records of succeeding test cycles are separated through the simultaneous operation of the marking elements to inscribe coincident off-trace lines upon the record strip 303 in the manner previously explained.

As pointed out in the introductory portion of the specification, when the apparatus is arranged to test successively the lines of one large group. and to record at the end of the test the total number of lines found to be in a busy condition, a complete test cycle may be adjusted to accommodate any number of lines to be tested. For example, if the group of lines to be tested comprises only one hundred lines, the release conductors of these lines are respectively connected to the test conductors forming the conductor groups I20 to I23. inclusive, the remaining test conductors of the test switch I0 being left disconnected. In this case, the clip 595 terminating the conductor 594 is connected to the terminal I31; the clip 59'! terminating the conductor 596 is connected to the terminal I91; and the clip 694 terminating the conductor 693 is connected to the terminal 002'. With the con nections arranged in this manner, each complete test cycle is restricted to four cycles of operation of the test switch I0. Thus, at the end of the fourth cycle of operation of the test switch I0, and when the wipers of the testing device I03 establish a connection between the associated contact II 6 and the twenty-seventh contact of the associated contact set III), a circuit similar to that traced previously is completed for energizing the operating magnet of the marking element corresponding to the last operated counting relay embodied in the register. More specifically, this circuit may be traced as extending by way of the grounded conductor C693, the clip 694, the terminal 602', the operated armature RABIZ of the third control relay RBII'I, C6I3, the

.contact II6 of the testing device I03 and the twenty-seventh contact of the associated contact set IIO as bridged by the wipers of the associated wiper set II4, the terminal I81, the clip 595, the conductor 594, the armature chain of the control relays in the register and through the operating magnet of the marking element corresponding to the last operated register control relay to battery. Thereafter and when the wipers of the testing device I03 establish a conductive bridge between the associated contact Ill and the twenty-eighth contact of the associated con.- tact set II 0, a circuit similar to that traced previously is completed for energizing the relay R580, the circuit in the present case extending by way of the grounded cable 693, the clip 694, the terminal 602, RA6I2, C6I3, the contact Ill of the testing device I03 and the twenty-eighth contact of the associated contact set IIO as bridged by the wipers of the associated wiper set H4, the terminal I91, the clip 501, the cable 596 and the winding of R580 to battery. The resulting operation of the relay R580 causes all of the operated relays embodied in the register and transfer switch to be deenergized in the manner previously explained. With the relay R530 operated, the operating circuits for the operating magnets respectively embodied in the ten marking elements of the recorder 20 are .all completed when the wipers of the testing devices I to I09, inclusive, bridge their respective associated conducting segments H3. The resulting operation of the marking elements causes the end of the cycle to be recorded. When the wipers of the tenth testing device I00 bridge their associated conducting segments H3, the previously traced operating circuit for the control relay R585 is also completed, causing this relay'to operate to interrupt the holding circuit for the relay R580 and to complete its own holding circuit. Thereafter and when the second test cycle is started, the holding circuit for the relay R585 is interrupted at the conducting segments II 3 of the testing device I09, causing this relay to restore. Thus, the apparatus is conditioned to repeat the test cycle. In a manner similar to that just described, any number of the testing devices I00 to I09, inclusive, may be arranged operatively to be associated with the register shown in Figs. 4 and 5 during each test cycle by connecting the clips 595, 59! and 894 to the appropriate terminals. Thus, the clip 595 may be connected to any one of the terminals I84 to I93, inclusive, the clip 59'! may be connected to any one .of the terminals numbered from I94 to 203, inclusive, it being understood that in any given case these two clips are connected to terminals associated with the same testing device. The clip B94 terminating the grounded conductor 693 may be connected to any one of the terminalsnumbered from 600' to 608, inclusive, it being pointed out that this clip is always connected to the one of the enumerated terminals which corresponds to the last testing device which is operatively to be associated with the register shown in Figs. 4 and 5.

Although the operation of the system has been described with reference to tests-performed upon the lines of a telephone system, it will be understood that the apparatus is equally susceptible of use in testing many other types of apparatus. In this regard, it will be appreciated that relays, individually associated with the devices to be tested and arranged selectively to impress ground or no potential upon an associated one of the test conductors extending to the test switch I0, may be utilized to relay any desired condition to the test switch in order that a record of the condition may be made through operation of the recorder 20.

While there has been described what is at present considered to be the preferred embodiment of the invention, it will be understood that various modifications may be made therein, and it is intended to cover all such modifications in the appended claims as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. In apparatus for testing a plurality of conductors which are divided into groups, each of said conductors being adapted to have a predetermined potential thereon, a register, a cyclically operating switch including a plurality of elements and means for operating said ele ments in unison, said elements individually corresponding to said groups of conductors and being operative concurrently to test the corresponding conductors of their respective corresponding groups, said elements also being operative to test all of the conductors of the respective corresponding groups during each operating cycle of said switch, and transfer means for operatively associating said register successively with different ones of said elements at the end of succeeding cycles of operation of said test switch, each of .said testing devices, when operatively associated with said register, being operative to cause the operation of said register each time a conductor having said predetermined potential thereon is tested.

2.'In apparatus for testing a plurality of conductors which are divided into groups, each of said conductors being adapted to have a predetermined potential thereon,-a register, a cyclically operating switch including a plurality of elements and means for operating said elements in-unison, said elements individually corresponding to said groupsof conductors and being operative'concurrently totest the corresponding conductors of their respective corresponding groups, said elements also beingoperative to test all of the conductors of the respective corresponding groups during'each operating cycle of said switch, transfer means operative to associate said register successively with different ones of said elements, each of said elements, when operatively associated with said register, being operative to cause the operation of said register each time a conductor having said predetermined potential thereon is tested, and means controlled by one of said 'elementsfor causing the operation of said transfer means at the end of each-cycle of operation of said test switch.

3. In apparatus for testing a'plurality of conductors which aredivided into groups, each of said conductors being adapted to have a predetermined potential thereon, a register, a cyclically operating switch including a plurality of elements-and means for operating saidelements in unison. said elements individually corresponding tosaid groups of conductorsan'd being operative concurrently to'test the corresponding conductors of their respective corresponding groups, said elements also being operative to test all of the conductors of the respective corresponding groups during each operating cycle of said switch, transfer means including a plurality of relays sequentially operative to associate said register successively with difierent ones of said elements in response to succeeding current pulses'transmitted to said transfer means, each of said elements, when operatively associated Withsaid register, being operative to cause the operation of said register each time a conductor having said predetermined potential thereon is tested,-and means controlled by one of said elements for transmittinga current pulse to said transfer means at the end of each'cycle of operation of said switch.

4. In apparatus for testing-a-plurality of conductors which are divided into groups, each of said conductors being adapted to have a predetermined potential thereon, a register, a switch including a plurality of wipers and means for operating said wipers in unison, said wipers individually corresponding-to said groups of conductors and each being operative to test the conductors of the corresponding group, transfer means including a plurality of relays sequentially operative'to associate said register successively with different ones of said wipers in response to succeeding current pulses transmitted to said transfer means,-each of said wipers, when operatively associated with said register, being operative 'tocause the operation of said register each time a conductor having said predetermined potentialthereon is tested, and 'means for transmitting a current pulse to said transfer means after each group of conductors is tested.

5. In apparatus for testing a plurality of conductors which are divided into groups, each of said conductors being adapted to have a predetermined potential thereon, a register, a cyclically operating switch including a plurality of elements and means for operating said elements in unison, said elements individually corresponding to said groups of conductors and being perative concurrently to test the corresponding conductors of their respective corresponding groups, said elements also being operative to test all of the conductors of the respective corresponding groups during each operating cycle of said switch, cyclically operating transfer means for operatively associating said register successively with difierent ones of said elements at the end of succeeding cycles of operation of said switch, each of said elements, when operatively associated with said register, being operative to cause the operation of said register each time a conductor having said predetermined potential thereon is tested, and means for changing the operating cycle of said transfer means so that any desired number of said elements are operatively associated with said register during each cycle of operation of said transfer means.

6. In apparatus for testing a plurality of conductors which are divided into groups,each of said conductors being adapted to have a predetermined potential thereon, a register, a cyclically operating switch including a plurality of elements and means for operating said elements in unison, said elements individually corresponding to said groups of conductors and being operative concurrently to test the corresponding conductors of their respective corresponding groups, said elements also being operative to test all of the conductors of the respective corresponding groups during each operating cycle of said switch, cyclically operating transfer means including a plurality of relays sequentially operative to associate said register successively with different ones of said testing devices in response to succeeding current pulses transmitted to said transfer means, each of said elements, when operatively associated with said register, being operative to cause the operation of said register each time a conductor having said predetermined potential thereon is tested, means controlled by one of said elements for transmitting a current pulse to said transfer means at the end of each cycle of operation of said switch, and means jointly controlled by one of said relays and one of said elements for initiating a new cycle of operation of said transfer means after a predetermined number of said elements have been operatively associated with said register.

7. In apparatus for testing a plurality of conductors which are divided into groups, each of said conductors being adapted to have a predetermined potential thereon, a register, a switch including a plurality of elements and means for operating said elements in unison, said elements individually corresponding to said groups of conductor-s and each being operative to test the conductors of the corresponding group, cyclically operating transfer means including a plurality of relays sequentially operative to associate said register successively with different ones of said elements in response to succeeding current pulses transmitted to said transfer means, each of said elements, when operatively associated with said register, being operative to cause the operation of said register each time a conductor having said predetermined potential thereon is tested, means for transmitting a current pulse to said transfer means after each group of conductors is tested, and means controlled by one of said relays for initiating a new cycle of operation of said transfer means after a predetermined number of said testing devices have been operatively associated with said register.

8. In apparatus for testing a plurality of conductors which are divided into groups, each of said conductors being adapted to have a predetermined potential thereon, a register, a switch including a plurality of elements and means for operating said elements, said elements individually corresponding to said groups of conductors and each being operative to test the conductors of the corresponding group, cyclically operating transfer means including a plurality of relays sequentially operative to associate said register successively with difierent ones of said testing devices in response to succeeding current pulses transmitted to said transfer means, each of said elements, when operatively associated with said register, being operative to cause the operation of said register each time a conductor having said predetermined potential thereon is tested, means for transmitting a current pulse to said transfer means after each group of conductors is tested, means controlled by one of said relays for initiating a new cycle of operation of said transfer means after a predetermined number of said elements have been operatively associated with said register, and means for selectively rendering said last-named means responsive to the operation of any one of said relays.

9. In apparatus for testing a plurality of devices subject to changing conditions, a register comprising a plurality of pulse counting relays sequentially operative in response to succeeding current pulses transmitted to said register, a recorder including a plurality of marking elements individually corresponding to said counting relays, means operative to test said devices in succession and to transmit a current pulse to said register each time a tested one of said devices is found to be in a predetermined condition, means responsive to the operation of a predetermined one of said relays for causing the operation of the corresponding marking element, and means for causing the operation of the marking element which corresponds to the last-operated counting relay of said register after all of said devices have been tested.

10. In apparatus for testing a plurality of conductors each adapted to have a predetermined potential thereon, a cyclically operating register comprising a plurality of pulse counting relays sequentially operative in response to succeeding current pulses transmitted to said register, a re corder including a plurality of marking elements individually corresponding to said counting relays, cyclically operating means operative successively to test all of said conductors during each operating cycle thereof and to transmit a current pulse to said register each time a conductor having said predetermined potential thereon is tested, means responsive to the operation of a predetermined one of said counting relays for causing the operation of the corresponding marking element at the end of each cycle of operation of said register, and means jointly controlled by said relays and said testing means for causing the operation of the marking element which corresponds to the last-operated counting relay of said register at the end of each operating cycle of said testing means.

11. In apparatus for testing a plurality of conductors each adapted to have a predetermined potential thereon, a cyclically operating register comprising a plurality of pulse counting relays sequentially operative in response to succeeding current pulses transmitted to said register, a recorder including a plurality of marking elements individually corresponding to said counting relays, cyclically operating means operative successively to test all of said conductors during each operating cycle thereof and to transmit a current pulse to said register each time a conductor having said predetermined potential thereon is tested, means responsive to the operation of a predetermined one of said counting relays for causing the operation of the corresponding marking element at the end of each cycle of operation of said register, means jointly controlled by said relays and said testing means for causing the operation of the marking element which corresponds to the last operated counting relay of said register at the end of each operating cycle of said testing means, and means controlled by said testing means for conditioning said relays to start a new cycle of operation at the end of each operating cycle of said testing means.

12. In apparatus for testing a plurality of conductors each adapted to have a predetermined potential thereon, a cyclically operating register comprising a plurality of pulse counting relays sequentially operative in response to succeeding current pulses transmitted to said register, a recorder including a plurality of marking elements individually corresponding to said counting relays, cyclically operating means operative successively to test all of said conductors during each operating cycle thereof and to transmit a current pulse to said register each time a conductor having said predetermined potential thereon is tested, means responsive to the operation of a predetermined one of said counting re lays for causing the operation of the corresponding marking element at the end of each cycle of operation of said register and for deenergizing all of said relays thereby to condition said register for a new cycle of operation, means for causing the operation of the marking element which corresponds to the last-operated counting relay of said register at the end of each operating cycle of said testing means, and means controlled by said testing means for conditioning said relays to start a new cycle of operation at the end of each operating cycle of said testing means.

13. In apparatus for testing a plurality of conductors which are divided into groups, each of said conductors being adapted to have a predetermined potential thereon, a register comprising a plurality of pulse counting relays sequentially operative in response to succeeding current pulses transmitted to said register, a cyclically operating switch including a plurality of elements and means for operating said elements in unison, said elements individually corresponding to said groups of conductors and being operative concurrently to test the corresponding conductors of their respective corresponding groups, said elements also being operative to test all of the conductors in the respective corresponding groups during each operating cycle of said switch, transfer means including a plurality of relays sequentially operative to associate said register successively with different ones of said elements in response to succeeding current pulses transmitted to said transfer means, each of said elements, when operatively associated with said register, being operative to transmit a current pulse to said register each time a conductor having said predetermined potential thereon is tested, means controlled by one of said elements for transmitting a current pulse to said transfer means at the end of each cycle of operation of said switch, and means responsive to the operation of a predetermined one of said second-named relays for deenergizing all of said relays, thereby to condition said counting relays and said second-named relays for new cycles of operation.

14. In apparatus for testing a plurality of conductors which are divided into groups, each of said conductors being adapted to have a predetermined potential thereon, a register comprising a plurality of pulse counting relays sequentially operative in response to succeeding current pulses transmitted to said register, a recorder including a plurality of marking elements individually corresponding to said counting relays, a cyclically operating switch including a plurality of elements and means for operating said elements in unison,

said elements individually corresponding to said groups of conductors and being operative concurrently to test the corresponding conductors of their respective corresponding groups, said elements also being operative to test all of the conductors in the respective corresponding groups during each operating cycle of said switch, transfer means including a plurality of relays sequentially operative to associate said register successively with different ones of said elements in response to succeeding current pulses transmitted to said transfer means, each of said elements, when operatively associated with said register, being operative to transmit a current pulse to said register each time a conductor having said predetermined potential thereon is tested, means controlled by said switch for transmitting a current pulse to said transfer means at the end of each cycle of operation of said switch, and means jointly controlled by one of said secondnamed relays, one of said elements and the lastoperated one of said counting relays for causing the operation of the marking element corresponding to said last-operated counting relay after all of said conductors have been tested.

15. In apparatus for testing a plurality of conductors which are divided into groups, each of said conductors being adapted to have a predetermined potential thereon, a register comprising a plurality of pulse counting relays sequentially operative in response to succeeding current pulses transmitted to said register, a recorder including a plurality of marking elements individually corresponding to said counting relays, a cyclically operating switch including a plurality of elements and means for operating said elements in unison, said elements individually corresponding to said groups of conductors and being operative concurrently to test the corresponding conductors of their respective corresponding groups, said elements also being operative to test all of the conductors of the respective corresponding groups during each operating cycle of said switch, transfer means including a plurality of relays sequentially operative to associate said register successively with different ones of said elements in response to succeeding current pulses transmitted to said transfer means, each of said elements, when operatively associated with said register, 

